CTA reports serious crimes fell 26 percent in 2014

Serious crimes on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) system decreased by 26 percent in 2014, the agency reported this week.

CTA officials cited increased camera surveillance on vehicles and stations, expanded police patrols and more undercover operations as reasons for the decrease. Police were able to use images from security cameras to apprehend at least 235 people involved in criminal activity, CTA officials said in a press release.

"Over the past three-and-a-half years we have developed and implemented an aggressive plan to fight crime and increase safety on the CTA by adding thousands of security cameras and strengthening policing strategies," said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a prepared statement.

The rail system alone saw a 24 percent decrease in overall serious personal and property crimes. Robberies on trains have also continued to decline since 2011.